The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle (The Bear and the Piano #2)

by David Litchfield (Author)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

In this charming, gorgeously illustrated follow-up to the award-winning The Bear and the Piano, a fiddle-playing dog and his human pal share the joy of music, and discover that, even through sad times and far-apart times, good friendship lasts forever.

Fiddle-playing Hector and his dog, Hugo, are best friends. Hugo is Hector's biggest fan, and when Hector decides to retire, Hugo secretly learns to play the fiddle himself. Soon, a famous piano-playing bear invites him to join his all-animal band and travel the world to perform in front of huge crowds--an opportunity that Hector had always dreamed of for himself. Will Hector be able to overcome his jealousy and learn to be happy for his friend?

This heartfelt tale reminds us that there are many different kinds of success, and it celebrates the joy and healing powers of music and friendship.

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$17.99

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Kirkus

An accessible and enjoyable portrayal of the complexities of friendship, jealousy, and forgiveness.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1--The bear from The Bear and The Piano returns in this charming sequel about friendship and perseverance. Hector (the human) and Hugo (the musically gifted dog) live in the shadow of the Bear's success and fame. Hector plays the fiddle on his street every day while his friend Hugo watches with admiration. One day, when a discouraged Hector gives up on his dream and packs his fiddle away, Hugo finds an opportunity to pursue his own passion for music. Eventually, Hugo is invited to join Bear's Big Band and Hector must decide if he can stomach his jealousy and be proud of his friend. Mixed-media illustrations portray a magical and musical city with bright lights and excited faces. The crowds are filled with a diverse collection of humans and full-page spreads of concert halls and vast rooftops immerse readers in a fantastic musical world. The prose depicts Hector's shifting emotions with precision and kindness as he overcomes his jealousy and realizes that more than anything he misses his old friend. The message of friendship and forgiveness will resonate with readers searching for a fantastic and musical story. VERDICT An excellent tale about supporting friends and being happy for them when they succeed.--Laken Hottle, Providence Community Library, RI

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



David Litchfield
David Litchfield is an illustrator from Bedfordshire, UK. He is the creator of the award-winning, bestselling The Bear and the Piano trilogy, as well as numerous other picture books. His first picture book, The Bear and the Piano, won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize (Illustrated Book category) and became a bestseller in the UK and US. It has sold in over 25 languages to date. His other picture books include The Boy and the Giant, Lights on Cotton Rock and Kid Christmas. David lives in Bedford with his family.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781328595898
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
March 05, 2019
Series
The Bear and the Piano
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV002030 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Bears
JUV002070 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Dogs
JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
Library of Congress categories
Bears
Friendship
Animals
Dogs
Musicians
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Friendship
Jealousy
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dogs
Bands (Music)
JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Music
JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Bears

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